Not Heading to Pitti Uomo? Visit These Italian Spots in NYC Instead

Pick your poison: espresso, gelato or pasta.

Tomorrow, the well-dressed men of the fashion flock will descend upon Florence, with their groomed beards and trendy suits in tow, prepared for the official start of Pitti Uomo 88. For four days, the city will be overrun with stylish men—plus swarms of street style photographers—for few days of fashion shows and high-end trade shows, all sandwiched between exclusive dinners and posh parties.

Sadly, we can’t all be Nick Wooster, jumping from a front row seat at Emilio Pucci to one at Moschino, but we can all enjoy a stylish taste of Italy right here within the boundaries of New York city, and without a trek to Arthur Avenue. So whether you want to really embrace your FOMO and scroll through Instagram while perched at Sant Ambroeus, or just indulge in a well-deserved plate of Cacio e Pepe, the choice is all yours.

An interior shot of Carbone (Photo: Carbone NYC)

CarboneIf you’re going to carbo-load like the Italians, you might as well do it here. A perennial favorite of the fashion and celeb set, Carbone’s family style fare and classic-yet-cozy interior will have you brushing up on your Italian accent. And digging in for a second helping of their Spicy Rigatoni Vodka.181 Thompson Street, Greenwich Village

Hello, pizza! (Photo: Facebook/Roberta’s)

Roberta’sWhen it comes to eating pizza for brunch, and undoubtedly suffering through a lengthy wait for a table, Roberta’s is the place to go. Regardless if you think that this place is mainstream or still really hipster, there’s no denying they make a really, really good pizza pie. And hey, at least the people watching isn’t too shabby.
261 Moore Street, Brooklyn

Dining al fresco in Soho (Photo: Facebook/Sant Ambroeus)

Sant Ambroeus
This might not be the most creative spot to stop for an Italian bite, but we have to give Sant Ambroeus a nod for their devotion to Milanese-inspired cuisine. Head to their buzziest New York outpost, located on Lafayette Street in Nolita, to rub elbows and sip espresso with models, their agents, and the designers that dress them all. And don’t forget to dig into a dessert or two.265 Lafayette Street, Nolita

Italian ingredient heaven (Photo: Facebook/A.L.C. Italian Grocery)

A.L.C. Italian GroceryFor those who only trust themselves to boil the perfect al dente pasta, this is your spot. A.L.C. is a high-end shop, stocked with authentic Italian ingredients, including cheese, baked goods, and cured meats. The space was created by Louis Coluccio, a Brooklyn native who wanted to reinvent the authentic salumerias that used to be found throughout New York.
8613 Third Avenue, Brooklyn

Yum, right? (Photo: Facebook/Il Laboratorio del Gelato)

Il Laboratorio del GelatoThis summer, upgrade your frozen treat by choosing gelato over classic ice cream. With an overwhelmingly large selection of 48 daily flavors, Il Laboratorio is the only place you need to visit for a cool taste of Italy.
188 Ludlow Street, Manhattan